Automated optical guided all wheel steered vehicle

Abstract

This thesis is a part fulfilment for an undergraduate degree in B. Mech. Eng. (Hons). The aim of this project was to design and construct a prototype Automated Guided Vehicle (AGV), for both teaching and demonstration purposes in Maltese Industry. AGVs, are battery powered, driverless vehicles, used to navigate their way around a network in a horizontal transport system. These vehicles provide a more flexible method of work transfer and are receptive to advances in production technology. The design, in this case, is based on an optically guided vehicle, which is all wheel steered. The vehicle responds to an appropriate guide-path made up from two contrasting colours, and is controlled by a Programmable Logic Controller. The vehicle has been designed and built and it is at present attending its first demonstration for industrial purposes. The prototype ,also provides for further development of the system. The permitted variations are limitless and can be tailored to suit various applications. In our opinion, this was the best way to develop and present Malta's first AGV, which was achieved through research and a lot of hard work.